I don't think there's a precise meaning, and quite frankly I think the term is a little antiquated. But in the spirit of trying to define it, I would suggest: "straight acting" is almost exclusively a gay male (as opposed to a lesbian or a transgendered person) who conforms, consciously or unconsciously, to the heteronormative gendered archetype of a "typical" American male.

In laymans terms, it's a gay man who acts more like Eminem, and less like Lady Gaga, who is more likely to watch sports than the Tony awards, who is more can fix a flat but can't hem a shirt to save his life. It has to do with male/female stereotypes, and then how much that person conforms to those stereotypes. I'd also add it can be either conscious or unconscious "conformity," which usually implies intention, but in this intimate area, I think is more a subconscious result (unless you're trying to "cover" in which case you'll act WAY overly masculine in some futile and transparent attempt to be "one of the guys.").

In the end, it's just code or an ill-defined synonym for masculine as American society defines it circa 1960 until now.

I really believe that I am straight acting but all this changes once I meet up with other straight acting guys....It's way too deeper than I ever imagined....So I kinda thought that maybe straight acting guys are categorised or something....I now understand straight acting,all thanks to you Guys

I think you mistake the two meanings of the word "act". What if I am not a drag queen? What if I like talking and dressing as most heterosexual guys do? What if I am like them? Then "acting" gay would be an ACT, not the other way around. Aren't you supposed to be the tolerant and non judgmental part of society? The problem is that people lack the ability to feel complete without showing off. That is how hollow society has become. Anyone who thinks he knows better about someone else's behaviour has some really big problems. Get over yourselves and let people do whatever the fuck they want.

I think it has everything to do with American society. Race, sex and masculine/feminine archetypes are ALL social constructs that have such a small basis in genetics that the societal fiction we dwell on makes no sense. In fact, there is more genetic differentiation between certain black people than there is between some black and white people. It's all--race, sex and masculinity/femininity--a societal construct. And since this site is 90% American member, as is the OP, I inserted "American."

Apparently you believe that the majority of the human race, culture and therefore society is concentrated in the US(I don't care what percentage of members are from anywhere because I am not racist). Having said that I will not try to prove you otherwise, happy living in that bubble you've created for yourself.

sed4561 saidApparently you believe that the majority of the human race, culture and therefore society is concentrated in the US(I don't care what percentage of members are from anywhere because I am not racist). Having said that I will not try to prove you otherwise, happy living in that bubble you've created for yourself.

Race in America and race in the UK do not mean the same thing. Blacks endured entirely different struggles. So your misguided attempt to amalgamate and confuse histories is not only illogical, but flat-out absurd. Moreover, and more relevantly, masculine/feminine stereotypes are ENTIRELY dependent on the nation-state you are referencing. For example, it's normal for Spanish males to kiss one another on the cheek, but that is anathema in the United States. Finally, it would make me xenophobic if I were American-centric, as opposed to "racist" as you stated. A distinction with a meaning.

And AGAIN, I was talking TO an American about a societal construction. Hence, the American interjection.

Moreover, and more relevantly, masculine/feminine stereotypes are ENTIRELY dependent on the nation-state you are referencing. For example, it's normal for Spanish males to kiss one another on the cheek, but that is anathema in the United States.

No, it isn't normal for Spanish men to kiss each other on cheeks, may be between father and son. Generally, Spanish gay men would kiss one another on the cheek. It's more common among Arab guys to kiss on cheeks.

Moreover, and more relevantly, masculine/feminine stereotypes are ENTIRELY dependent on the nation-state you are referencing. For example, it's normal for Spanish males to kiss one another on the cheek, but that is anathema in the United States.

No, it isn't normal for Spanish men to kiss each other on cheeks, may be between father and son. Generally, Spanish gay men would kiss one another on the cheek. It's more common among Arab guys to kiss on cheeks.

Fair enough. But I distinctly remember seeing Spanish (and other European) men do it. I was young, and it shocked and excited me. But obviously you'd know better than I.

The overarching point still stands. Masc/Fem stereotypes are still nation-state dependent. Europeans (yes I know Europe isn't a county, but it's easier than naming most composite states) wear skinny jeans. American guys, for the most part, still don't (though it's much more accepted now). If an American wore skinny jeans, he'd be pegged--all things being equal--as more feminine than he would otherwise. Whereas in Europe it's normal.

Omega_Einhorne saidActing straight to me means you're overcompensating by demoralising feminine guys to make yourself seem more manly to masculine guys people like this don't project a genuine image of themselves which is why gay guys in general get a shit rap.

being gay and true to yourself has paved the way for both masculine and feminine gay folk. Putting on acts hasn't done shit

Omega_Einhorne saidActing straight to me means you're overcompensating by demoralising feminine guys to make yourself seem more manly to masculine guys people like this don't project a genuine image of themselves which is why gay guys in general get a shit rap.

being gay and true to yourself has paved the way for both masculine and feminine gay folk. Putting on acts hasn't done shit

I am do glad you guys preach what being gay means. By your standards I am not gay - my parents will be thrilled. My belief, that the gay community is the one that's NOT supposed to tell you what you are expected to be like, stands. I am not about to start dressing like a girl nor will I change the way I speak because it doesn't match your standards for being gay.

If you think that "straight acting" gays are an American invention read about the Roman emperor who got married to a man.

leafgreen saidit's a term made for still kinda closeted gays to blend in this patriarchy heteronormative society....

You studying Wymmins Studies 101?

you do realize some of the reason people are homophobic because even straight people, straight men, intrinsically and systematically degrade and get on their high horse to look down on women right? And people are afraid to be seen as girly or gay it's because of some dumbass gender stereotype?

personally I think that being gay has helped me to see deeper problems in this world/society.

Omega_Einhorne saidActing straight to me means you're overcompensating by demoralising feminine guys to make yourself seem more manly to masculine guys people like this don't project a genuine image of themselves which is why gay guys in general get a shit rap.

being gay and true to yourself has paved the way for both masculine and feminine gay folk. Putting on acts hasn't done shit